Akiva Talmi presents Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Moscow Ballet announces new 20th Anniversary production of the acclaimed Great Russian Nutcracker. The production includes unique new “Dove of Peace” choreography in which 2 dancers become one soaring bird. The new choreography is inspired by work of Stanislov Vlasov, former Bolshoi Ballet dancer and choreographer/ballet master of Moscow Ballet’s inaugural 1993 Great Russian Nutcracker. The 20th Anniversary production also features a Christmas tree that grows to 7 stories tall; falling snow and Troika sleigh escorted by Russian folk characters Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) to their Ice Palace in the Land of Peace and Harmony; 200 all new, hand-sewn costumes designed by Shakespearean designer Arthur Oliver; and more.

The Great Russian Nutcracker production continues to develop and re-create the classic holiday story. Exclusive to Moscow Ballet, Act I Grand Pas de Deux, usually performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, is performed by Moscow Ballet principals as Masha and Nutcracker Prince, as well as Act II’s Final Pas de Deux. Sets have evolved from the original, innovative “Comedia del Arte” scroll of backdrops in 1993 to the 9 current Russian hand-painted backgrounds set in a home in Moscow and the Land of Peace and Harmony. Special effects such as rose shooting cannons, fanciful “horses” in the battle scene and Troika-inspired Russian sleigh for Masha and her Nutcracker Prince abound in this production. Costumes are created in Russia and over the years key roles were developed by international designers such as American Dennis Ballard who created the exclusive Kissy Doll candy-ribbon skirt and international costume designer Olga Dumova who created Ded Moroz and Snegurochka characters. The performance is performed to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s complete Nutcracker Suite score performed by the Moscow Festival Orchestra and recorded specifically for Moscow Ballet at the tempo appropriate for ballet.